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What is assistive technology? As defined by the Assistive Technology Act of
1998, the term refers to "any item, piece of equipment, or product system,
whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to
increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with
disabilities."
Assistive technology can be anything as simple as a pencil grip, to more
complicated equipment like voice recognition software.
Though assistive technology is usually thought of in terms of special needs
students, all students can benefit from little modifications or accommodations.
If you believe that your student would benefit from some type of assistive
technology, talk to the classroom teacher, to the special services teachers, or
to the school counselor.
For more information about assistive technologies, check out these Web sites:
GPAT,
Onion Mountain Tech,
Ability Hub.
These lists should give you some good ideas of how you can assist students in
your classroom. These lists start off with low tech suggestions and progress to
high tech suggestions. This information is provided by the
Council for Exceptional Children.
Communication:
Communication board with pictures/words/objects
Eye gaze frame
Simple voice output device
Voice output device with icon sequencing
Voice output device with dynamic display
Voice output device with speech synthesis |
Reading:
Predictable books
Changes in text size, spacing, color, background
Book adapted for page turning
Use of pictures/symbols with text
Talking electronic device to speak challenging words
Single word scanners
Scanner with Optical Character Recognition and talking word
processor
Electronic books |
Learning/Studying:
Print or picture schedule
Aids to find materials (e.g. color coded folders)
Highlight text
Recorded material
Voice output reminders for assignments, tasks
Electronic organizers
Pagers/electronic reminders
Single word scanners
Hand-held scanners
Software for concept development
Software for organization of ideas
Hand-held computers
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Math:
Abacus/Math Line
Enlarged math worksheets
Alternatives for answering, explaining or giving examples
Math "Smart Chart"
Money calculator/Coinulator
Tactile/voice output measuring devices
Talking watches/clocks
Calculator with or without print out
Calculator with large keys and/or display
Talking calculator
Calculator with special features
On-screen/scanning calculator
Alternative keyboard
Math software
Software for manipulation of objects
Voice recognition software |
Motor Aspects of Writing:
Variety of pencils and pens
Pencil/pen with adaptive grip
Adapted paper (e.g. raised line or highlighted line)
Slantboard
Prewritten words/phrases
Templates
Portable word processor
Computer with word processing
Voice recognition software
Talking calculator |
Computer Access:
Keyboard with accessibility options
Word prediction, abbrev./expansion to reduce keystrokes
Keyguard
Arm support
Track ball/joystick with on-screen keyboard
Alternate keyboard
Pointing options/Head mice
Switch with Morse code
Switch with scanning
Voice recognition software |
Composing Written Material:
Word cards/book/wall
Pocket dictionary/thesaurus
Writing templates
Electronic/talking spell checker/dictionary
Word processing with spell checker
Talking word processing
Abbreviation/expansion
Word processing with writing supports
Multimedia software
Voice recognition software |
Vision:
Eye glasses
Magnifier
Large print books
CCTV (closed circuit television)
Screen magnifier (mounted over screen)
Screen magnification software
Screen color contrast
Screen reader, text reader
Braille materials
Braille translation software
Enlarged or Braille/tactile labels for keyboard
Alternate keyboard with enlarged keys
Braille keyboard and note taker |
Hearing:
Pen and paper
Computer/portable word processor
TTY/TDD with or without relay
Signaling device
Closed Captioning
Real Time captioning
Computer aided note taking
Flash alert signal on computer
Phone amplifier
Personal amplification system/Hearing aid
FM or Loop system
Infrared system |
Recreation:
Toys adapted with Velcro, magnets, handles, etc.
Toys adapted for single switch operation
Adaptive sporting equipment
Universal cuff to hold crayons, etc.
Modified utensils
Arm support for drawing/painting
Electronic aids to operate TV, VCR, etc.
Art software
Games on the computer
Other software |
Mobility:
Walker
Grab bars and rails
Manual wheelchair including sports chair
Powered mobility toy
Powered scooter
Powered wheelchair
Adapted vehicle for driving |
Activities of Daily Living:
Nonslip materials
Universal cuff/strap to hold items in hand
Color coded items for easier locating
Adaptive eating utensils
Adaptive drinking devices
Adaptive dressing equipment
Adaptive devices for hygiene
Adaptive bathing devices
Adaptive equipment for cooking |
Control of the Environment:
Light switch extension
Interface and switch to activate battery operated devices
Interface and switch to turn on electrical appliances
Radio/ultra sound to remotely control appliances
Electronic aide to daily living controlled through augmentative
device |
Position and Seating:
Non-slip surface on chair
Bolster, rolled towel, blocks for feet
Adapted/alternate chair, sidelyer, stander
Custom fitted wheelchair or insert |
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